According to Jim Allen, vice president of marketing for New York Apple Sales, the holiday season timing could not be more perfect – nor could flavor and size – for the first commercial release of USA-grown KORU apples from Washington and New York.
Jim tells that the harvest of that New York's KORU started a month earlier than Washington’s, which allowed fruit to hit the market in October.
Three of the nation’s top apple marketing companies are collaborating on the KORU project. NYAS markets fruit produced in New York. In Washington, the new variety, now touted as the fourth most popular new variety in the United States this past summer, is being marketed by Oneonta Starr Ranch Growers and Chelan Fresh.
The Washington companies started harvesting in early November, and OSRG National Marketing Representative Bruce Turner said the fruit is peaking at 80-88. It is being packed for retail in Packing in 27-pound euro cartons and 2-pound pouch bags.
“We had a great start in October and were able to keep one of our retailers from gapping between New Zealand and U.S. fruit,” Allen said. New Zealand’s season runs from May through September, and the New York crop was harvested right on cue in late September.
The Washington companies also reported a good start and excellent reception. “This is really a great apple, one of my favorites,” said Turner. “It’s interesting that it’s a naturally pollinated cross of Fuji and Braeburn found in New Zealand and yet it tastes like neither parent.”
Chelan Fresh Director of Marketing Mac Riggan said 2017 is the first year for Chelan Fresh to market the new variety. “We’re excited to be part of KORU family and to work with these other two great companies,” he said.
With New Zealand supplying over 11,000 stores across the United States and Canada this season, and with production in both New Zealand and USA now ramping up as young trees mature, KORU will be available year round starting in 2019.
For more information:
Bruce Turner
Oneonta Starr Ranch Growers
Tel: +1 509 663 2191